Enjoy Contemporary Romanian Cuisine at Little Bucharest Bistro

CHICAGO (June 3, 2010)-With a history spanning more than three decades, Little Bucharest Bistro (3661 N. Elston Ave., 773-604-8500) brings to Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood the colorful heritage of Romania and American contemporary flare, to offer a vibrant, modern dining experience.

Little Bucharest, "Little Paris of the East" when translated, is owned and operated by the charismatic and gregarious Branko Podrumedic, the founder of Chicago's Taste of Romania. Little Bucharest Bistro originally opened in 1970, but closed in 2004 before Podrumedic re-opened at the new location in 2009.

"I wanted to bring the signature high-energy vibe of the old Little Bucharest into a new setting," says Podrumedic. "The bistro presents Romanian flavors in an approachable way to appeal to more of a mainstream audience."

The devoted owner can be seen any day of the week weaving through the restaurant and conversing with customers. Podrumedic recently partnered with chef Christian Phernetton to help begin a new chapter in the restaurant's award-winning history, combining Phernetton's classic technique and contemporary presentation style with the rustic, Romanian flare of Podrumedic's family recipes, including many from his talented wife Veronica. Both Phernetton and Veronica share the kitchen at Little Bucharest Bistro. She combines the style of a home cook with decades of experience and the many secrets of traditional Eastern European cuisine. He provides new contemporary twists, lightens up the menu and plates with modern style.

Phernetton joins Little Bucharest Bistro with more than 14 years of experience, most recently serving as executive chef at the three-star Old Town Brasserie in Chicago. Phernetton honed his classical French technique by having the privilege to work with talented chefs like Austrian Master Chef Peter Schott, and James Beard Award Winning Chef Allen Susser. While this is his first experience with traditional Eastern European food, he's excited about applying his classic training and passion for modernizing old world recipes.

Romanian Cuisine with Contemporary Twist

Some of the newer, seasonal dishes added to Little Bucharest Bistro's menu include soups and salads like Ciorba de Borscht, beet soup with onions, carrots, garlic and sour cream in a vegetable broth ($5); Salata de Ardei Copti, salad of roasted red peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and garlic vinaigrette ($8); and Salata de Spinach, spinach salad with roasted grapes, almonds, bleu cheese and Murfatlar wine vinaigrette ($8).

Tapas selections include Luta Cartofi, fresh cured salmon with pickled onions, cucumbers, dil sour cream on black pepper crackers ($9); Steak Tartar, tartar, cornichons, red onions, hard boiled egg, caramelized grape-horseradish vinaigrette ($8); and Doar Piine, toasted bread topped with tomatoes, olives, garlic and kashkaval cheese ($7).

Little Bucharest Bistro features a variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian entrées including Romanian Skirt Steak, grilled and served with asparagus, crispy potatoes, roasted peppers and mushroom cream ($17); Award-Winning Sausage-Stuffed Chicken Thigh, with gorgonzola polenta and white wine sauce ($15); Little Bucharest Signature Braised Short Rib Goulash, pearl onions, green beans, bacon and mashed potatoes ($18); and Pan Seared Whitefish, with cous cous and roasted vegetable salad in a golden beet vinaigrette ($16).

The dessert menu features dishes like Clatite, warm crepes with chocolate, strawberry or apricot sauce ($6); Panna Cotta, with berries and vanilla sabayon; and Tort de Ciocolata, chocolate ganache cupcake filled with chocolate gelato and raspberry sauce ($7).

Little Bucharest Bistro offers a number of weekly dining specials, including a three-course dinner for $25, available Sunday through Friday. The dinner includes a soup or salad, an entrée and a dessert. Tapas can be added for an additional $5. Enjoy half-priced glasses of Romanian wine on Mondays and half-priced bottles Romanian wine on Tuesdays. Wednesday brings half-priced select beers, while Thursdays offer $5 select cocktails and tapas.

Nestled in the heart of Old Irving Park, on Elston Avenue between Addison Street and Kimball Avenue, Little Bucharest Bistro's burnt orange exterior lends itself to a classic old-world feel. Drawn in by the eye-catching, period-style façade, patrons are welcomed by a lounge area replete with inviting cocktail tables.

Small bursts of fire accompanied by an exuberant "Opa!" dot the lively dining room as waiters serve traditional plates of flaming kasseri cheese known as Saganaki. A full bar is also featured in the main dining room, serving customers specialty cocktails as well as an assortment of European beer, wine and brandy including Branko's "holy water."

During warmer weather, patrons may dine al fresco on the restaurant's picturesque patio. Surrounded by a fountain and twinkling white lights, the patio provides an intimate, romantic atmosphere complete with flowers, ferns and other lush greenery.

Parties of five or more who spend a minimum of $200 can take advantage of Little Bucharest Bistro's complimentary limo service to and from the restaurant. To make reservation for this unique experience, contact Little Bucharest Bistro at (773) 604-8500.

Weekly Music Performances

Little Bucharest Bistro boasts regular musical performances by local artists every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Little Bucharest Bistro features a different cabaret artist including Claudia Hommel, Scott Gryder, Carla Gordon and Latinise with Andrea Else. Saturdays feature Greek and Jewish music with Eve and George Monzingo, and Brazilian violin music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Vagando, Chicago's hottest international style dance band. On alternate Sundays, enjoy smooth jazz from local artist Lee Alec Barrie, a contemporary jazz guitarist playing 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

About Little Bucharest Bistro

Little Bucharest Bistro is open seven days a week for dinner: Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, Noon to 3 a.m.; and Sunday, Noon to 3 a.m. Little Bucharest Bistro accepts all major credit cards. Street parking is available. For additional information, please call (773) 604-8500 or visit www.littlebucharestbistro.com.

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